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Argument for older van?
#727063 August 21st 2017 4:12 pm
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Alrighty, i have a practical question for yall.

I need a van, we have lived with wagons for a while, but after seeing my friends g20 and the layout: captains chairs, foyer entrance, galley, space, height etc, and the fact we are going to have another kiddo, i am pushed towards vans.

Now, i have some preference for older chevy stuff as i have parts, i have a 95 caprice which shares the bolt pattern so all the wheels are swapable etc (winter/dirt set sport set, etc), and i just know my way around the small block and the 700r4/4l60 well, and though sluggy i know the late tbi is crazy reliable.

Other than nostagia, how do the older vans, like the 71-95 chevy, original dodge b series van, and say the 3rd gen econoline hold up to new stuff, like say the 4rth gen econoline. This would be a daily driver, and road trip, and camp, and tow, vehicle.

im looking at a 95 g20, and it is very clean being from the south (i am in new england), and well taken care of, but the price is high for market, but i like it. would i be nuts to not consider a newer van at the same price with the same miles etc, say a 2002 econoline etc?

I would appreciate any advice from you guys who have lived with these things as daily drivers, etc...

my heart says go with the g20, but a lot of friends have steered me to look at newer stuff, for more practicality, reliability etc. then again, economy is about the same for any gas full size van from 70-now, for the most part.

anybody want to talk me in either direction?

i have some individual points of argument for both, but i'll see what yall say first.

thanks!


AdSense long
Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727064 August 21st 2017 5:17 pm
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Welcome to the site Smokie .... I say go for it, as I favor the G-series also. Just a little biggger than what your lookin for ...lol

Again welcome ..... ya cant go wrong in a Chevy !


SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO
ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN
ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS
'93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB
'92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727065 August 21st 2017 5:34 pm
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Newer vans were never part of the "movement". Customization parts will be an issue with a newer van. Older vans with a sound body can be rebuilt. Plus they can be up-graded (FI and brakes) to much newer specs. a lot of custom parts are still around.Plus if you live in certain places, emissions will not be an issue.


Tucson-it's a dry heat...like an oven
Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727073 August 22nd 2017 12:39 am
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Personally, my choice was based on one thought ..."You only live once, and life is too short."


1975 Ford E-150 shorty (sold)
2016 Ram Promaster shorty
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7l
1984 Ford E-150
Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727075 August 22nd 2017 7:12 am
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,043
pooh-bah
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The 3rd gen chevy- especially near the end of it's run- has about the fewest 'bugs' to deal with. I have an 83 G10 that I just turn the key and go. I made the trip from Detroit to Branson MO and back with no issues. They have a comfortable ride. There really isn't too much of an advantage to a newer van.


Gregg Groff

The right to bear vans

65 ChevyVan Pontiac OHC 6/TH2004R
68 ChevyVan 108 454/4L80E
86 Dodge "Yeah, it's got a 318"
83 ChevyVan Shorty- B2%B Pt II
Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727082 August 22nd 2017 1:53 pm
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old hand
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I have a 73 G20 and have zero problems with it as well, just drove it 2k miles in a week. Just a matter of the condition of the van, regardless of year. Newer tech is nice but old simple shit like these vans is hard to beat. My buddies later one is nice though because it does have the 700R4 and TBI. They go forever in nearly an configuration. Newer econolines are great vans too so it just matters what you want to do with it. Some people dont give a shit about vintage vanner goodies and all the old stuff. they just want a nice van and you can find that with newer ones too.

Last edited by Deathorvictory; August 22nd 2017 1:53 pm.

1987 B250 - Painkiller
Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727098 August 22nd 2017 11:26 pm
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Thanks everyone, yea, im not super into the vintage goodies, I like them, but that is not what i am here for. i just want a decent van, but i do appreciate the older stuff. I like the older aesthetics for sure. I really would like the practical side of the argument, and as far as i can tell it holds water. The late tbi should be as bomb proof as anything...

Re: Argument for older van?
MrSmokey #727102 August 23rd 2017 6:24 am
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pooh-bah
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I loved my '95 shorty conversion. Was our family vacation vehicle, road trip vehicle, tow vehicle, etc. Great truck.

Re: Argument for older van?
Dyno_Dave #727111 August 23rd 2017 8:20 am
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Thanks Dave, how did you like it compared to your 97, i know vortec? has more pep.
The 95 i am lookin at is nice, but extremely over priced for market value, and even ebay, but i think i am going to at least try to make them an offer. Then again, vans are generally way undervalued. The only stuff wrong with it (that i can tell) are little fiddly things like the drivers top hinge pin, the passenger side window switch/motor something, vent window latch, some trim. Some dents and bangs. It is immaculate in terms of rust, and runs good, and its a flat up beauville passenger van, which is someone difficult to find, most are conversions, work vans, etc.

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